Creativity Workshop
November 6 - November 9
Carmel
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Creative Writing, Drawing, Storytelling and Memoir.Internationally known workshop coming for the first time to Carmel.Creativity is a talent we are all born with. But it needs practice to stay vibrant and grow.Come to explore your creative potential!

Monterey Institute Fall Forum
November 6
Monterey
Irvine Auditorium, Monterey Institute of Internati
Come and listen to professionals from MIIS and the Monterey community speak about the innovative field of Communication Through Technology. Many aspects will be addressed - the importance of communication through technology, generational gaps, availability of communication technology in the developing world, and communication technology put to use in the classroom or professional environment. Their speeches and panel discussion will be consecutively interpreted into English by 2nd year T&I students.

The Great Wine Escape Weekend
November 13 - November 15
Monterey
Monterey Wine Country
Escape the ordinary at Monterey Wine Countrys Great Wine Escape Weekend. This annual tradition, presented by the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association and Wine Enthusiast Magazine, celebrates Monterey Countys world-class wines and gastronomic delights crafted by nationally recognized chefs during a weekend of unbeatable events. Monterey Countys lifestyle and wines are defined by the cooling influence of the ocean and especially of Monterey Bay and its very deep marine canyon, whose immensity and depth have earned it the nickname, The Blue Grand Canyon". More than fifty acclaimed wineries will showcase their wines, reflecting the quality of the regions nine distinct American Viticulture Areas. Heres a sneak peek at some of this years events: Palate Pleasers, Join Robert Bleifer, Executive Chef of Food Network; Jerry Regester, Chef of The InterContinental, The Clement Hotel Monterey; Jeff Jake, Executive Chef of The Carneros Inn; and Mark Ainsworth, Chef/Owner of Pastry Smart; for two interactive seminars and a four-course lunch paired with Monterey County wines. Winemaker Dinners, Monterey County wineries will collaborate with local restaurants to provide exquisite dinners Winery Open Houses and Guided Tours, Visit the tasting rooms of Monterey County and enjoy hospitality, special pourings, and select barrel samples. Navigate on your own or let our luxury coaches guide the way.

SPCA FOR MONTEREY COUNTY TO HOLD ANNUAL SANTA PAWS EVENTAT DEL MONTE SHOPP
November 13 - November 15
Monterey
Del Monte Center
Monterey, CA, November, 2009. Take a photo with Santa, your family, and your pet while supporting The SPCA of Monterey County. Area residents are invited to support the SPCAs annual Santa Paws photo event that will be held at Del Monte Shopping Center from Friday through Sunday, November 13-15 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Santas Workshop. At the portrait sitting, professional photographers at SantaFotos will take a selection of 4x6 color prints with Santa and a pet, either alone or with a family. Portraits cost $25 in advance and $30 at Santas Workshop on the day of the photo. Appointments are recommended and walk-in portraits are based on availability. For more information, call the SPCA at (831) 373-2631 x203 or (831) 422-4721, ext. 203, or e-mail mlefebvre@spcamc.org.

Walk or Run with us at the Big Sur Half Marathon and 5K!
November 15
Big Sur
Big Sur Marathon
*Help Fight Pancreatic Cancer November 15! Pancreatica Walks and Runs mission is to raise awareness, increase education and support research aimed at changing the tragic human relationship to pancreatic cancer. Walk or Run with us at the Big Sur Half Marathon and 5K! We only have a few spots left! Contact us to learn more 1-877-863-4448

"Operation Christmas Child" collection week
November 16 - November 23
Monterey
First Baptist Church Monterey, 600 Hawthorne St.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide with gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. Pack a shoe box, fill it with small toys or other gifts (no weapon like toys please or meltable chocolate candies), and bring your unwrapped gift to the Collection Center in Monterey the week listed to send a small gift to someone in need in another country! It's the power of a shoebox!!

The Monterey Bay Blues Festival Battle of the Blues Band Competition
November 22 - October 22
Monterey
Monterey County Fairgrounds Monterey Room
The Monterey Bay Blues Festival Battle of the Blues Band Competition November 22, 2009 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monterey County Fairgrounds Monterey Room If you are a band interested in the competition, go to our website at www.montereyblues.com, click on Events & Activities and follow the instructions to submit an application. The audience votes for the winner!

15th Annual Tree Lighting On Cannery Row
November 27
Monterey
Cannery Row's Steinbeck Plaza
Stop by Cannery Row's Steinbeck Plaza for musical and family entertainment between 12 pm - 9 pm, Live Festive Holiday Music from 11 am - 4 pm, A Brassworks Toy Soldier Quartet from 4 - 6 pm, Live Reindeer in Bubba Gump plaza from 3 - 7 pm, Santa Claus will be in his workshop from 6 - 9 pm & our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony begins the holiday season at 6 pm!

Lemon Sun w/ Leopold and his Fiction, The Mystery Lights
November 27
Monterey
Jose's Underground Lounge
Lemon Sun are a versatile Los Angeles pop outfit with a sound that employs all your fave 60's-jangle-harmony-beat conventions without the tired retro smarm. It's ridiculously pleasant, charasmatic guitar-pop without pretense. Refreshing.

Santa Days at Del Monte Shopping Center
November 27 - December 24
Monterey
Del Monte Center, Hwy 1 and Munras
Bring the whole family to visit Santa at his beautiful workshop at Del Monte Shopping Center where he can be found on many special designated Santa Days from November 27th through December 24th, 2009. The not-to-be-missed Santas Workshop is built in the Arts and Crafts style, and features a fireplace and real hardwood floors. All kids who come to visit Santa on Friday, November 27th will receive a free pair of plush reindeer antlers. On the many other Santa Days before Christmas, kids can give Santa their wish list, have a photo taken with him, and receive a free candy cane.

2nd Annual Peacock Acres 5k Turkey Walk and Trot
November 27
Salinas
Manzanita Park, Prunedale
Come to the 2nd Annual Peacock Acres 5K Turkey Walk & Trot in Manzanita Park, Prunedale. Come enjoy this fun family event to work off your Thanksgiving Dinner on Friday November 27th! All proceeds will benefit the lives of the children at Peacock Acres. Peacock Acres provides residential foster care to over 40 children in Monterey County. 501(c) 3 Tax ID-77-0013158 Registration begins at 9:30 AM. At 10 AM Runners will start lining up and 10:30 Walkers will line up. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place runners, TBA. After the run we will have Pulled Pork BBQ w/ lemonade. Donations for the Turkey Walk: $15 to walk, $20 w/Pulled Pork BBQ. $20 to run, $25 w/Pulled Pork BBQ. $8.00 for just the BBQ & $1.50 for Lemonade. Please contact Ellen or Claudia for more information. ellen@peacockacres.org or Claudia @ 663-5761.